Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were collected
from human cord blood and genetically modified to carry sodium human iodide
symporter (hNIS) gene. Transgenic and control EPCs were magnetically labeled
and administered systemically or locally in human glioma bearing rats.
Migration and expression of hNIS in glioma were monitored by MRI and Tc-99m
SPECT imaging, respectively. Both MRI and Tc-99-SPECT were able to track the
migration and accumulation of systemically and locally administered EPCs in
glioma. Expression of hNIS was detected by Tc-99m activity. EPcs can be used
as imaging probe and gene carrier.